Balancing Your Snacks

"Balance." We hear that word a lot in the health industry. Eat balanced meals, lead a balanced lifestyle, balance your time, stay balanced. But, what does all that mean? Well, today we are going to talk about what it means to eat a balanced snack, and in this case, it means balancing your intake of carbohydrates and proteins.

Carbohydrates and proteins have 2 very different roles within the body. When you think "carb," you should think "immediate energy." This is the stuff that picks you up right away!! When you think "protein," you should think "stability." That is the stuff that keeps you fuller, longer.

So, with a snack, you want the best of both worlds. 1. You want immediate energy and 2. You want something that is going to stabilize your hunger until your next meal. When it comes time for your mid-morning or mid-afternoon snack, you want something that offers both carbohydrates and protein - to pick you up and keep you going until your next meal.

Here are some snack ideas that will do just that! (C) = carbohydrate, (P) = protein

*Whole grain crackers (C) and a slice of 2% cheese (P)

*Fruit (C) smoothie with yogurt (P)

*1/2 peanut butter (P) sandwich on whole wheat bread (C)

*Hummus (P) and pita bread (C)

*String cheese (P) and a small banana (C)

*Low-fat chocolate (C) milk (P)

*Whole grain crackers (C) and 2-3 slices of deli meat (P)

*Small apple (C) and handful of almonds (P)

*Flavored Greek Yogurt (P) with 1/2 cup blueberries (C)

*Granola bar (C) and handful of peanuts (P)

Get the idea?!

Enjoy a healthy snack this afternoon!!